We offer a concierge service that includes the pickup of your beverages from BCLD (no corkage) and food items from Granville Island Market (just pay for the receipts). In addition, guests are welcome to bring their own provisions and refreshments.
Your private charter includes fuel and complimentary ice, bottled water, and sugar-free sodas as well as cups, plates, utensils, and napkins. The kitchen is fully equipped and features a refrigerator, microwave and a BBQ with all the essentials. A large Igloo cooler is provided for your use. Onboard Entertainment includes: A Premium marine sound system with high-speed Bluetooth streaming capability for a personalized acoustic experience.
Our most popular private charter option is the “Three-hour” city highlights cruise, which offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and time on the water. Our “Four-Hour” Signature Charter: Includes our full harbour itinerary plus an exclusive excursion to *Bowen Island*.
Departing from Granville Island, you’ll cruise through False Creek past Science World, out to English Bay, along Stanley Park, and under the Lions Gate Bridge. The route continues through Coal Harbour and Canada Place, home to the Alaska cruise ships, before passing the shoreline of West Vancouver and Kitsilano on the way back. It’s a unique and efficient way to experience Vancouver’s most iconic waterfront views.
We are fully licensed, insured, and Transport Canada compliant. We maintain rigorous safety standards to ensure a secure experience for every guest.
Tours & Charters
Every trip is a private charter and can be tailored to your group. These are the routes guests book most.
Harbour & City Highlights Cruise
Set sail on Vancouver’s most scenic 3-hour private yacht tour. Glide past Science World, English Bay, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, Coal Harbour and Canada Place, guided by your own licensed captain in a relaxed, intimate setting on the water.
Watch Vancouver’s skyline light up from the water on our golden-hour Sunset & BBQ Dinner Cruise. Cruise as the sun dips behind the mountains, with a fully-equipped onboard BBQ, complimentary ice, water and sodas, and a premium sound system to set the mood all aboard a private charter with your own licensed captain, for up to 8 guests.
Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, proposals or corporate gatherings aboard your own private yacht in Vancouver. Fully customizable itineraries, onboard BBQ, premium sound system and a licensed captain for up to 8 guests, departing from Granville Island.
We offer a concierge service that includes the pickup of your beverages from BCLD (no corkage) and food items from Granville Island Market (just pay for the receipts). In addition, guests are welcome to bring their own provisions and refreshments.
Your private charter includes fuel and complimentary ice, bottled water, and sugar-free sodas as well as cups, plates, utensils, and napkins. The kitchen is fully equipped and features a refrigerator, microwave and a BBQ with all the essentials. A large Igloo cooler is provided for your use. Onboard Entertainment includes: A Premium marine sound system with high-speed Bluetooth streaming capability for a personalized acoustic experience.
Our most popular private charter option is the “Three-hour” city highlights cruise, which offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and time on the water. Our “Four-Hour” Signature Charter: Includes our full harbour itinerary plus an exclusive excursion to *Bowen Island*.
Departing from Granville Island, you’ll cruise through False Creek past Science World, out to English Bay, along Stanley Park, and under the Lions Gate Bridge. The route continues through Coal Harbour and Canada Place, home to the Alaska cruise ships, before passing the shoreline of West Vancouver and Kitsilano on the way back. It’s a unique and efficient way to experience Vancouver’s most iconic waterfront views.
We are fully licensed, insured, and Transport Canada compliant. We maintain rigorous safety standards to ensure a secure experience for every guest.
WHO WE ARE
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Vancouver Yacht Tours is a one-boat charter company owned and skippered by Captain Murray, a local mariner who has spent his life on these waters. Every private boat tour leaves from Granville Island, and every trip is planned around your group, not a fixed route with strangers.
THE WHOLE BOAT IS YOURS
Up to 8 guests, private every time. With a full group that works out to about $46 per person, per hour, less than most seat-by-seat harbour boats.
THE OWNER IS YOUR CAPTAIN
The person who answers your call is the same person at the helm. No rotating crews, no call centre.
BRING WHAT YOU LIKE, NO CORKAGE
Bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge, or have us pick up your order from BCLD and Granville Island Market before you board.
BOOK ON SHORT NOTICE
When the calendar is open, we can take bookings as little as 2 hours before departure. Sunny afternoon? Call us.
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re zre
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We had the privilege of going out with Captain Murray for an ashes spreading ceremony, and I cannot recommend him enough. From start to finish, he made what could have been a very heavy day into something truly beautiful, respectful, and filled with care. He guided us with kindness and professionalism, ensuring that everything felt calm and unrushed. The way he handled the details — from the perfect spot on the water, to allowing us space for reflection, to making sure we felt supported throughout — was deeply meaningful.
We had a combo or kids and adults and he made sure the trip was enjoyable for everyone. This was more than just a boat trip; it was exactly what my family was looking for. If you’re looking for someone who combines skill with knowledge of the area and genuine compassion, Captain Murray is absolutely the person you want beside you on the water.
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Jim Qiu
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We had a great day. The boat is very comfortable and Murray was absolutely friendly! The trip was stunning - a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The entire trip felt very laid-back and the route was beautiful: amazing bays and breathtaking views you simply can’t experience from land. Murray has a great knowledge of Vancouver’s nature and city and will perfectly adapt to your wishes! We would very highly recommend to book a tour with Murray!
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nathan scott
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I am writing to express my severe disappointment regarding an interaction with a representative from this company who I visited while booking a tour. During my visit, the representative directed racist remarks toward one of my friends. Such behavior is completely unacceptable and does not align with the standards expected of any business. I would not recommend working with a company that allows this kind of conduct from its staff.
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Aryan Sabet-Rasekh
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Captain Murray from Vancouver Yacht Tours made our day on the water absolutely perfect. He had everything ready and accessible, a BBQ, power outlets, great speakers, condiments, a clean bathroom, and top-tier hospitality. He also shared fun stories and pointed out famous Vancouver sights along the way. Everything you need for an unforgettable boat day, highly recommend Captain Murray to anyone!
Best yacht service in British Columbia!!!
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Marina Banister
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Murray is a great captain! He responds quickly when discussing the booking, has a great understanding of the water in order to have the best trip possible considering the weather conditions and there are no hidden fees. Very reasonable price for the experience. We have done several trips with Murray and would highly recommend.
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Joseph Pierro Manacsa
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sabrina ingabire
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Paul Hartanto
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As a local, I've always wanted to do a boat tour around beautiful Vancouver and Captain Murray (Vancouver Yacht Tours) did not disappoint!
Our tour started from Granville Island and from there we made our way to Ambleside, Spanish Banks, Coal Harbour, and False Creek. In total, we were on the boat for about five hours.
Murray provided a cooler filled with ice to keep our beverages cold. Also, there was a washroom onboard and plenty of space to store our bags.
I'd certainly recommend a day on the water with Murray and look forward to doing it all over again!
Gallery
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THE MAN AT THE HELM
Captain Murray believes that the best way to see Vancouver is with a glass in hand and a calm horizon ahead. A local mariner with an impeccable record and an eye for detail, Murray specializes in curated tours for the discerning traveler. While others focus on the crowd, Murray focuses on the craft ensuring your time on the water is private, polished, and perfectly tailored to your needs.
More shoreline. More sights. More memories. Vancouver Yacht Tours shows you more of Vancouver’s stunning coastline and points of interest, giving you the best bang for your buck on the water.
All of our tours can be custom tailored to fit your needs
Our tours
Vancouver Yacht Tours provides guests with a unique and unforgettable experience on the waters of Vancouver. We offer a variety of tours that can be tailored to your individual needs and desires.
We depart from Granville Island Public Market near the Aquabus-easy parking and great for any last minute items. We provide complimentary ice, bottled water and sugar free sodas in a large cooler. There’s also a full kitchen and B.B.Q. with all the essentials. Fuel is included, and the itinerary is flexable to make your trip special.
Coal harbour and false creek tour
Vancouver Yacht Tours offers a unique way to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. Our tours take you through the picturesque Coal Harbour and False Creek, with a memorable experience that includes a stop at Science World.
indian arm tour
Welcome to Vancouver Yacht Tours, the premier yachting tour of Indian Arm BC. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our high-end yacht while you take in the spectacular array of natural beauty that Indian Arm has to offer.
Bowen island tour
Vancouver Yacht Tours specializes in providing highly enjoyable and luxurious trips to Bowen Island. Experience the beauty of Canadian nature on our luxurious yacht, as we take you on a serene journey to this neighbouring island.
celebration of light
Experience a night to remember and view beautiful fireworks with Vancouver Yacht Tours! Join one of the exclusive fireworks yacht tours we offer during the last week of July, departing from Granville Island at 6:00 pm and returning at 11:00 pm.
south gulf islands
Discover Canada’s West Coast with Vancouver Yacht Tours! Enjoy the perfect getaway with our custom cruises to Poets Cove on South Pender Island or Ganges on Saltspring Island. Let us create an unparalleled boating experience you won’t forget.
Custom tour
Ask Murray about his fabulous BBQ-ed oysters fresh from The Lobsterman (Granville Island). Mid-sized pacific oysters cooked in the shell and served with lemon garlic butter with a splash of tabasco make a great on-board appetizer!
Summer Special BBQ
Premium BBQ lunch or dinner included on qualifying summer charters.
Your Vancouver Yacht Charter Questions
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Full refunds apply to cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. So two days out, you’re fine. If something comes up, just send a quick message as soon as you know it helps keep the calendar fair for everyone trying to get on the water. Cancellations inside that 48-hour window fall outside the full-refund period.
How far in advance should we book?
You can book as little as 2 hours before departure if there’s still availability but honestly, don’t count on that for a summer Friday evening. Weekend evenings especially tend to go early. If you’ve got a specific date or time in mind, earlier is almost always better. That said, if you’re last minute, still reach out. I’ll tell you what’s actually available.
Do you require a deposit to book?
Yes a $300 deposit is required to hold your booking date. Once that’s in, your time on the water is secured for your group. You’ll also get clear confirmation of where to meet at Granville Island, so there’s no guessing on the day.
How much does a private boat tour in Vancouver cost?
Rates vary depending on how long you want to be out, how many people are coming, and which route or tour you’re after. There’s no single flat price because every group is a bit different. Best thing to do is send through your preferred date, a rough start time, and where you’d like to go — and I’ll put a quote together. A $300 deposit locks in the date once you’re ready to confirm.
Where do we meet / what is the departure location?
Charters depart from Granville Island Public Market, near the Aquabus dock. Try to arrive a little early if you can gives you time to park, grab a coffee, and get on board without feeling rushed. After booking you’ll get exact meet-up details for your specific departure time.
What should we bring or wear?
Soft-soled shoes are required on the yacht high heels aren’t allowed, just so you know ahead of time. Runners or deck shoes work great, they grip well when the boat moves around a little. Bring a light layer too. It can get cooler once we’re moving, even on a warm day.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is allowed on board. If anyone in your group smokes, just be mindful of the breeze it goes a long way toward keeping things comfortable for whoever’s sitting nearby.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are welcome on the yacht. If you plan to bring your pet, please mention it when booking so we can help make the experience comfortable for everyone.
Do you host special events like birthdays, proposals, or corporate outings?
Definitely birthdays, proposals, corporate outings, we’ve done them all. Just share what you’re celebrating and the kind of pace you’re after. Quiet and romantic, relaxed family afternoon, or a client outing with space to actually talk — I’ll shape the time on the water around what fits. The small details are usually what make it.
Is the yacht wheelchair accessible?
The yacht is wheelchair accessible. If you have any mobility needs, let us know ahead of time and we’ll plan the easiest boarding.
Are life jackets provided for all ages, including kids?
Life jackets are on board for both kids and adults on every charter. If you’re bringing children, the right sizes will be sorted before departure you won’t be figuring it out on the dock.
Is there a washroom on the boat?
Yes, there’s a private washroom on board, a Vacu-flush head (like a jetliner) that you can use throughout your charter. There’s also a shower for your use.
What kind of entertainment is available on board?
Your vessle is equipped with a premium marine sound system featuring a high-speed Bluetooth streaming capability, you have full control of the audio. We also have a separate Bluetooth Boombox for the bow of the boat.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, your safety is our absolute priority. Vancouver Yacht Tours are licenced and comprehensively insured. Our vessel is maintained to meet or exceed Transport Canada stars and is equipped with all the safety gear.
Do you offer the spreading of ashes?
Yes, we have done this many times. During the ceremony I move to the bow of the boat to give you privacy.
Got a question that isn’t listed here? Just ask. Happy to sort out any details before you commit to a date.
